Ireland’s Shane Breen storms to victory in Abu Dhabi World Cup Grand Prix

The first Irish World Cup win of the 2026 season has gone to Tipperary’s Shane Breen, after he partnered the 10-year-old gelding BP Arctic Blue to superb win in today’s (Sunday) four-star Al Shira’aa Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Drawn early to go in a 13-horse jump-off, Breen posted a clear in 47.61 seconds which proved to be the only double clear of the competition, as the Cashel native claimed the winners prize of €80,000. BP Arctic Blue had finished third in the Irish Breeders Classic as a Young Horse back in Ireland and topped the 2023 Ballypatrick Horse Auction in 2023.

Italy’s Guido Grimaldi finished as runner-up with Gentleman after picking up just three time faults over the two rounds, while third place on the podium went to Britain’s Alexander McLean with Calixte Heartbreaker Z.

Kildare’s Michael Pender also made it into the jump-off with the Marion Hughes-bred HHS Los Angeles (ISH) and finished fourth after picking up four faults against the clock.

BREEDING

HHS LOS ANGELES (ISH) – 2014 mare by Le Roi (ZDP) out of China Cavalier (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Marion Hughes. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).